Modern imaging of the tracheo-bronchial tree

Recent state-of-the-art computed tomography and improved three-dimensional(3-D) postprocessing techniques have revolutionized the capability of visualizing airway pathology,offering physicians an advanced view of pathology and allowing for appropriate management planning.This article is a comprehensive review of trachea and main bronchi imaging,with emphasis on the dynamic airway anatomy,and a discussion of a wide variety of diseases including,but not limited to,congenital large airway abnormalities,tracheobronchial stenoses,benign and malignant neoplasms and tracheobronchomalacia.The importance of multiplanar reconstruction,3-D reconstruction and incorporation of dynamic imaging for non-invasive evaluation of the large airways is stressed.